SENCER “Applies the science of learning to the learning of science, all to expand civic capacity. SENCER courses and programs connect science, technology, engineering, and mathematics content to critical local, national, and global challenges.” The organization is committed to developing faculty expertise, through symposia and summer institutes and the distribution of resources such as course models, assessment tools, and funding for research that supports their mission.

Publishes original work by students and researchers with a specific focus on implication for service learning in engineering, engineering entrepreneurship in service, or related service learning pedagogy.

A coalition of leaders from several organizations working toward a shift in STEM education away from lecturing to engaging learning activities and activities inside and outside the classroom that engage students directly, and toward attracting a greater diversity of students to STEM fields. Resource: A sourcebook of white papers is available online.

EPICS is a program in which teams of undergraduates from a variety of majors design, build, and deploy real systems to solve engineering-based problems for local community service and education organizations. Each team has a multi-year partnership with a community service or education organization. Projects are in four broad areas: human services, access and abilities, education and outreach, and the environment. Regional workshops on integrating service-learning within the curriculum occur annually. Resources available on the EPICS website.

Math

Math educators at six institutions are implementing and sharing the results of their collaborative efforts, "to use civic issues to make math more relevant to students." The results of this 3-year effort are distributed on this site.

An initiative to inspire students to an interest in STEM and math in particular, by making clear links to issues of sustainability, "a topic which many students care deeply about." This paper describes the projects implemented by students at Bryn Mawr College.

Honey W. Nashman Center for Civic Engagement and Public Service

The Nashman Center supports faculty whose teaching, research, and service is accomplished in collaboration with the community to benefit the public good. To receive a brief weekly email highlighting these posts, contact Wendy Wagner at wagnerw@gwu.edu.